• Over half-a-million Aerofoil sales in the year
• Aerofoils now installed in over 2,500 UK stores
• First nationwide roll-out completed for Sainsbury’s
• Now engaged with over 20 retailers internationally
• New products from Vortex development pipeline

Our client list now includes many of the UK’s largest grocers and retail chains...

The roll-out of Aerofoil and Vortex technology to nearly 1,400 Sainsbury’s stores commenced in February 2018, and completed successfully in March 2019. Other substantial orders followed including from Asda, several Cooperative societies, Boots, SSP and WH Smiths. More recently, M&S and its franchisors commenced a programme to install our technology in some 800 stores. We also launched trials with Tesco and other UK grocers, as well as Walmart in the USA and Canada. In total, Aerofoils are now installed in over 2,500 stores across the UK.

Major roll-out contracts resulted in rapid sales growth...

In the year to 30 November 2018 we sold over 500,000 Aerofoils and recorded turnover of £8.9m.† Our net assets now exceed £3m and we are debt-free, having funded our growth organically and with the support of shareholders. Our financial stability gives us freedom to accelerate our product development pipeline, expand our client base, and finance major roll-out projects from internal resources. With such agility, we can move quickly and our clients can take every confidence in our operational and financial capacity to deliver.

We continued to innovate and enhance our suite of energy-saving technologies...

Approximately 70% of a multi-deck’s energy consumption is influenced by the effectiveness of the air curtain. This has therefore been the focus of our attention, recognising that this is where the major gains in energy efficiency are achieved. On this front, Aerofoils are just one of a suite of energy-saving Vortex technologies that we developed in 2018. All are designed with merchandising a priority: they look great, are easy to install, perform exceptionally well, and have a positive impact on store colleagues and customers.

Our team demonstrated class-leading experience in design, operations and logistics...

We leveraged our technical partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering by adding in-house design and engineering expertise with specific industry relevance. We have also bolstered our project management and logistics capacity, enabling us to deliver major client contracts whilst maintaining hands-on control over the quality of materials and integrity of installations. Through our contracting partners, we now have Aerofoil-trained technicians distributed throughout the UK. This attention to detail enabled us to complete the Sainsbury’s roll-out with flawless results.

Further innovation and growth is planned for 2019...

With our experience in technology innovation and our logistics capability, we have established ourselves as the leader in energy-efficiency solutions for retail refrigeration. 2019 will mark the release of new technology, further growth and wider customer engagement both domestically and internationally. Darren Shapland, Chair of Aerofoil Energy, said “The company succeeded in meeting its 2018 targets, and I would like to thank our shareholders for their loyal support during the development phase and trialling of Aerofoil technology. We have set ambitious growth targets for the business in the coming years and I look forward to reporting positive progress.”

† Based on unaudited accounts to 30 November 2018. Accounts will be lodged with Companies House in due course.

Sainsbury's roll-out: mission accomplished!

Aerofoil Energy today installed the final Aerofoil in its roll-out across Sainsbury's estate...

Aerofoil Energy is delighted to announce the successful completion of its estate-wide
roll-out of Aerofoils across Sainsbury’s UK stores. The multi-phase project represents the industry’s biggest commitment to date to shelf-edge technology, establishing Aerofoils as the gold-standard.

In adopting Aerofoil Energy’s market-leading fridge shelf-edge technology, WHSmith is set to make transformative energy and carbon emissions savings, while significantly improving the retail experience for its customers. WHSmith is one of the UK’s most recognisable retail brands. Created in 1828, it now operates 1,200 stores across the UK and is increasing its international presence across Europe, Australia, South East Asia, India and the Middle East.

Paul McAndrew, Aerofoil Energy CEO said, “We are delighted that WHSmith has chosen Aerofoil to capitalise on the substantial benefits that our technology will bring to its retail estate. Our customers enjoy savings of up to 30% on refrigeration energy costs through this straightforward, cost-effective and retrofittable solution. By adopting Aerofoils WHSmith becomes one of our truly global clients and we are excited to see Aerofoils appearing around the world as we roll out our technology into WHSmith stores."

Ignite Energy conceived and implemented successful trials of Aerofoils in several WHSmith stores in the UK, paving the way for the adoption of the technology into the retailer’s existing estate as well as within new cabinet orders going forward. Ignite Energy and WHSmith have a successful long-term partnership that has allowed them to reduce energy consumption significantly and provide better visibility of energy usage across the business. Projects implemented have covered a wide variety of technologies targeting energy reduction in lighting, refrigeration and HVAC.

In their present design, open-fronted refrigerators lose significant amounts of cold air, creating inefficiencies that demand increased energy use. The Aerofoil is influenced by Formula One aerodynamics from Williams Advanced Engineering, and helps guide cold air down the fridge more efficiently, meaning substantially less is spilt from the cabinet, resulting in lower energy use, fewer carbon emissions and warmer aisles in stores.

Clare Meehan, Head of Stores and Supply Chain Finance at WHSmith said, “Fitting Aerofoils across our retail estate will make a major contribution to our corporate responsibility programme, most importantly by lowering our energy consumption and related emissions, but also by improving product quality and reducing product waste.”

Aerofoils help Scotmid save energy and lower emissions

Community retailer Scotmid Co-operative have adopted aerofoil technology for their chilled food cabinets, a move that will deliver transformative savings in energy costs and carbon emissions as well as improving the retail experience for shoppers...

Scotmid Development Project Manager David Greenshields said: “By lowering our energy consumption, Aerofoils will make a significant contribution to our target reduction in gross emissions of 30% by 2020. Aerofoils are therefore a major component in our corporate environmental strategy.”

The initiative is led by Impact Shopfitting, who specified aerofoil technology for the retailer after excellent feedback from store trials. Impact will manage the installation of aerofoils in Scotmid’s 186 convenience stores across Scotland and the North of England. Derek Wilson, Operations Director for Impact Shopfitting, said: “Scotmid have had aerofoils installed in several locations for some time now, and we were impressed by their robustness and customer-friendly aesthetics, in addition to their energy performance.”

Aerofoils were conceived and developed by Aerofoil Energy in conjunction with Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Williams Group that includes the Formula One racing team. They prevent cold air from spilling out of the refrigeration cabinet, resulting in lower energy use, fewer carbon emissions and warmer aisles in stores. Paul McAndrew, Aerofoil Energy Ltd CEO said: “Scotmid joins our rapidly growing list of UK and international clients that are benefiting from aerofoil technology. Our customers enjoy savings of up to 30% on refrigeration energy costs through this straightforward, cost-effective and retrofit solution.”

Aerofoil Energy worked closely with Williams Advanced Engineering to refine the original Aerofoil concept, using Williams’ proven expertise in aerodynamic design and testing from four decades of success in Formula One racing. The aerofoil product has won multiple awards recognising its innovative nature and was most recently a finalist with the Royal Academy of Engineering for their MacRobert Award, the UK’s most prestigious and longest-running engineering prize.

About Scotmid Co-operative

Scotmid Co-operative is Scotland’s largest independent co-operative and has been at the heart of local communities since 1859. It operates around 300 retail outlets across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England. Its businesses include Scotmid Food, Semichem, Funeral Directors, Post Offices and a property division.

SSP operates an extensive portfolio of more than 500 international, national, and local brands, with a presence in 33 countries around the world. In adopting Aerofoil Energy’s proven refrigeration technology, SSP is set to make transformative carbon emissions savings, while significantly improving the retail experience of its customers across stores in the UK, Ireland, France and Germany.

The Aerofoil is influenced by Formula One aerodynamics from Williams Advanced Engineering, and helps guide cold air down the fridge more efficiently, meaning substantially less is spilt from the cabinet, resulting in lower energy use, fewer carbon emissions and warmer aisles in stores. Results from existing client adoption of Aerofoils suggest that SSP stands to reduce consumption by c.20% on refrigeration energy through this simple, cost-effective and retrofittable solution.

Ignite Energy conceived and implemented successful trials of Aerofoil in several SSP-operated stores in the UK, paving the way for the adoption of the technology more widely. Ignite Energy have been working with SSP since 2014, helping them to drive their sustainability agenda and make their business more efficient. Projects implemented have covered a wide variety of technologies targeting energy reduction in lighting, refrigeration and HVAC, across different SSP brands in multiple countries.

Sukh Tiwana, SSP’s Group Commercial Director, added, “The electricity and gas used to power our units continues to make up the largest part of our carbon footprint. Aerofoils are therefore central to our sustainability agenda for the UK and internationally. The technology also brings improvements to product temperatures, which will help us reduce shrinkage and food waste, another key component of our environmental strategy.”

Paul McAndrew, Chief Executive of Aerofoil Energy, said “This order represents a further significant endorsement of aerofoils from a leading global retail company, and will showcase our technology across a truly international arena. No matter what mode of transport SSP customers will be using, it’s great to know that a Formula One-inspired wing will have played a role in delivering them a better travel experience.”

About SSP

SSP is a leading operator of food and beverage concessions in travel locations, operating restaurants, bars, cafés, food courts, lounges and convenience stores in airports, train stations, motorway service stations and other leisure locations. With over 50 years of experience, it has more than 37,000 employees, serving approximately one and a half million customers every day. It has business at approximately 140 airports and 280 rail stations, and operates more than 2,600 units in 33 countries around the world.

Ignite Energy are experts in energy management for large businesses, offering a total solution for organisations looking to reduce their energy cost and consumption. Working with several household names; including SSP, New Look, Pets at Home, WH Smith and Halfords, Ignite have an established track record of achieving excellent financial and environmental savings for clients.

Open-fronted fridges are the largest consumer of power in stores and after extensive laboratory and store trials, M&S has seen proven energy savings from Aerofoils, with the added benefit of a more comfortable temperature for customers and colleagues. Results from existing client adoption of Aerofoils prove that customers can save up to 30% on refrigeration energy costs through this straightforward, cost-effective and retrofittable solution.

Paul McAndrew, CEO of Aerofoil Energy, said: "Aerofoil Energy is delighted to be working with such an internationally iconic brand in food retail as M&S. This was a very interesting development project for us, because M&S has its own bespoke refrigeration cabinets. The whole design process required close collaboration from the Aerofoil team with M&S to arrive at the most favourable and energy-efficient solution. As a result of this relationship, M&S will deploy three new technologies, taken from our Vortex project, that together have enhanced the performance and aesthetics of Aerofoils."

Ian Moore, Head of Store Development at Marks and Spencer, said: "We're excited to be collaborating with Aerofoil Energy to reduce the energy consumption and environmental footprint of our stores. This technology will also help us offer a better shopping experience for customers by improving the temperature in our aisles."

About Aerofoils and Vortex:

The Aerofoil, from Aerofoil Energy, uses aerodynamics to guide cold air more efficiently down the front of the fridge, so that substantially less cold air is lost from the chiller unit, resulting in lower energy use, fewer carbon emissions and warmer aisles in stores.

As part of its Vortex project, Aerofoil Energy created the micro-Aerofoil to accommodate M&S' own ticketing specifications. This performs in the same way as the standard-sized Aerofoil, but with even more pleasing aesthetics for retailers with smaller price label dimensions. M&S will also adopt the patented Aerosteer product, which can be installed in situ and improves the coherence of the fridge's cold air curtain at its point of origin. This enables Aerofoils to be fitted even closer to the shelf-edge, further enhancing their visual impact for the consumer. Thirdly, Aerofoil Energy developed a robust, snap-fit Aerofoil kit that is installed securely in seconds, saving M&S significant logistics costs during the roll-out process.

John Austin-Davies joins Aerofoil Energy

Aerofoil Energy is delighted that John Austin-Davies has joined the team as our specialist technical advisor and a key member of our Vortex development group.

John is highly respected as one of the most experienced and technically accomplished engineers in the refrigeration industry. In 2018 John was awarded the prestige RAC Gold Award for his lifetime contribution to tackling major environmental issues in the cooling and refrigeration industry.
Following his career at the Epta Group, he has set up his own refrigeration consulting business, JAD ICE Ltd, and is advising OEM's and retailers on the latest HVAC technology, whilst continuing to support Epta Group initiatives.

Paul McAndrew CEO of Aerofoil Energy said

"Having John as our specialist technical advisor is a huge bonus for Aerofoil Energy. John brings unrivalled expertise and is one of the few people in the industry who command complete respect from OEMs and retailers alike. It's a great opportunity for us to accelerate our product development pipeline whilst benefiting from John's experience."

John Austin-Davies said

"During my years at Epta I have seen many new technologies emerging, including the products introduced by Aerofoil Energy where I have first hand test experience. It has been fascinating to see the technology grow into a market-leading energy solution now adopted by the top UK retailers. Aerofoils have been a game-changer in the refrigeration industry and I am looking forward to driving further technological innovation as part of the development team at Aerofoil Energy and Williams Advanced Engineering."

*Vortex is Aerofoil Energy's technology pipeline and has developed a suite of ground-breaking technologies that are already transforming the refrigeration industry. The Vortex team comprises highly-skilled experts with over 150 years of combined industry expertise, and deploys some of the world's most advanced R&D technologies including high-fidelity computational-fluid-dynamic modelling and independent EN23953 laboratory testing.

Boots begins roll-out of aerofoils

Another major high-street retailer has selected aerofoils as its shelf-edge technology of choice.

Boots UK Limited has a major food-to-go offering across its stores. Many of its fridges are fitted with glass doors, but aerofoils are now delivering energy savings to the customer-friendly open fridges best suited to narrow isles with high customer traffic.

We'll be fitting over 100 Boots stores with aerofoils by the end of 2018.

Vortex is here!

Our Vortex team has developed a suite of new energy-saving technologies, which we've already installed in over 125 stores.

In the UK alone, nearly 2,000 supermarkets and convenience stores are already using aerofoil technology, making Aerofoil Energy one of the fastest-growing and innovative technology companies in the UK. The unprecedented success of aerofoil technology now enters a new phase with the launch of VORTEX.

What is VORTEX?

The team that invented aerofoils has again partnered with Williams Advanced Engineering to deploy some of the world’s most advanced R&D technologies, including high-fidelity computational-fluid-dynamic modelling and independent EN23953 laboratory testing. The VORTEX team comprises highly-skilled experts with over 150 years of combined industry expertise. They have been working quietly behind the scenes for the last three years on the VORTEX project and have developed a suite of ground-breaking technologies that are already transforming the refrigeration industry.

– That’s right, VORTEX technology is already here! –

We’ve already completed extensive laboratory and field trials, and this year Aerofoil Energy has installed VORTEX technologies in over 150 UK supermarkets. VORTEX is now being used in three major supermarket chains in the UK.

VORTEX technologies can be retrofitted now to existing refrigeration estates. We have also worked closely with some of the world’s leading case manufacturers to ensure VORTEX technology can be applied to new-build fridges. VORTEX technologies make for a compelling investment case, and can deliver a negative payback period with savings going straight to the bottom line from day one.

Aerofoil Energy's F1-inspired refrigeration technology on show

We're in Atlanta to bring aerofoil technology to supermarkets in the US.

British company Aerofoil Energy is in Atlanta to bring Formula 1-inspired technology to supermarkets in the US. At the Energy and Store Development Exhibition in Atlanta, Aerofoil Energy will show-case its innovative new device – the Aerofoil – developed in association with Williams Advanced Engineering (part of Williams F1). Attached to open-fridge shelves, Aerofoils direct cold air more efficiently down the front of the fridge, preventing it from spilling into the aisles. As well as saving up to 30% on energy costs and CO2 emissions, Aerofoils create a more pleasant customer experience. Available as retro-fit and for new-build cabinets.

Earlier this week, UK retailer ASDA (part of the Walmart family) announced plans to install Aerofoils across 187 of its stores. Confidential store trials are already under-way with several US retailers.

Paul McAndrew, Chief Executive Officer of Aerofoil Energy said: “Aerofoil is proving a great success in the UK. Taking an innovation from our company and combining it with the aerodynamic expertise at Williams, we are improving product shelf-life and significantly enhancing refrigeration efficiency. Aerofoil can thus pay for itself in just a few days, with energy improvements helping companies reduce their carbon footprint.”

Aerofoil-energy has won multiple awards in recognition of its innovative nature. Most recently, it was a finalist for the Royal Academy of Engineering’s MacRobert Award, the UK’s most prestigious and longest-running prize for engineering.

Asda adopt aerofoils

We're delighted that Asda are now rolling out aerofoils across their refrigeration estate.

Supermarket Asda has today announced that it will install F1-inspired Aerofoils in 187 of its supermarkets, reducing energy consumption from refrigeration by an estimated 17% and slashing CO2 emissions.

Refrigerators are the largest consumer of power in supermarkets and, in their present design, lose significant amounts of cold air, creating inefficiencies that demand increased energy use. This leads to greater carbon emissions and colder aisles for shoppers.

Aerofoil, a new device from Aerofoil Energy, is influenced by Formula One aerodynamics from Williams and is similar in appearance to the rear wing of a Formula One car. It uses aerodynamics to guide cold air down the fridge more efficiently, meaning substantially fewer carbon emissions and warmer shops. Initial results from tests in the US also show an increased shelf life of produce, helping to reduce food waste.

“Like all the Walmart family, we’re committed to lowering our energy use, with a target of a 30% reduction in energy intensity by 2025 from our 2010 baseline, said Brian Churchyard, Senior Manager for Construction Design Standards at Asda. The rollout of Aerofoils, alongside other initiatives we’re undertaking, such as moving to 100% LED sales floor lighting this year, will significantly help us in achieving this target, as well as improving the shopping experience for our customers.”

Aerofoil has won multiple awards recognising its innovative nature and was most recently a finalist with the Royal Academy of Engineering for their MacRobert Award, the UK’s most prestigious and longest-running engineering prize.

“The teams at Williams and Aerofoil Energy are delighted that Asda has recognised the benefits that installation of the innovative Aerofoil device can deliver to the company and its customers,” said Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering. “Using state-of-the-art aerodynamic capabilities here at Williams we have worked with Aerofoil Energy to design and develop Aerofoil to deliver multi-million pound energy savings, tons of CO2 emission reductions and an improved climate in stores for shoppers.”

Aerofoil Energy worked closely with Williams Advanced Engineering to refine the original Aerofoil concept, using Williams’ proven expertise in aerodynamic design and testing from four decades of success in Formula One racing. Williams’ Advanced Engineering division uses computational fluid dynamics to model and simulate new designs before testing them at the Williams technical facility in Oxfordshire.

“It is great to see such a well-known and respected brand as Asda choosing to install Aerofoils,” said Paul McAndrew, CEO of Aerofoil Energy Ltd. “From an idea I had a few years ago, through working with Williams to refine and produce it, to now seeing Aerofoils in operation in supermarkets, this is a proud day for me and the Aerofoil team.”

Sainsbury’s to accelerate energy-savings in supermarket ‘first’

Sainsbury’s is the first UK supermarket to roll out revolutionary Formula 1 inspired aerofoil technology on fridges in the cold aisles across all of its stores...

The new energy saving technology helps to chill food to the same temperature whilst making the aisles warmer for customers.

The aerofoils, which will be introduced in aisles stocking products such as cheese, yoghurts and meat, will account for an energy reduction that equates to over 320M+ kettles boiled and 360M+ toaster pops-ups. The fridges will remain at the same temperature to keep food cool and fresh, however the aisles will be warmer for customers by up to 4°C – helping to make the shopping experience more comfortable for customers.

The state-of-the-art aerofoil technology, which borrows from the fast-paced world of Formula 1, prevents cold air from the fridges spilling out into the aisle by steering it directly back down into the fridge unit. The principle for the technology replicates aerofoil design with an aerodynamic ‘profile’ that redirects air flow, similar to those seen on cars. The aerofoil system is attached to the front of the refrigerator unit shelves to keep more of the cool air inside the fridges in the cold aisle of a supermarket.

The new fridge technology will be installed across the Sainsbury’s estate by the middle of 2018 and Sainsbury’s will be the first retailer to retrofit the technology on such a large scale.

Paul Crewe, Head of Sustainability, Sainsbury’s, said; “By keeping the cold air in our fridges using this technology, we’ll see an energy reduction of up to 15% which, when multiplied across all of our stores is a significant amount of energy saved. By looking outside of our industry, and borrowing technology from an industry that is renowned for its speed and efficiency, we are accelerating how we are reducing the impact on the environment whilst making shopping in Sainsbury’s stores a more comfortable experience.”

Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering, added; “Our collaboration with Aerofoil Energy is a perfect example of how Formula One derived innovations can have a tangible benefit to the general public, and the environment. This technology has global potential and, the extensive tests we have carried out with the support of Sainsbury’s, have shown the significant savings in operational costs and emissions are extremely promising.”

Williams Advanced Engineering, the division of Williams that commercialises Formula One derived innovation and expertise, has created the technology in collaboration with UK start-up Aerofoil Energy.

Paul McAndrew, Managing Director of Aerofoil Energy commented, “Bringing a new technology to market is extremely challenging, but we have been fortunate to have a great partner in Williams Advanced Engineering and the support of Sainsbury’s. This announcement of a mass scale roll-out of our technology across Sainsbury’s signals the successful conclusion of several years of extensive development work, which can benefit retailers in the UK and globally in significantly reducing carbon emissions.”

Claire Williams at CBI annual conference

Williams F1 racing deputy team principal Claire Williams gives her take on the first CBI annual conference she's attended, how Williams plans for success and the business partnerships that take formula 1 technology and innovation from the track to the supermarket aisle.

F1 technology cuts supermarket emissions

The cutting-edge technology behind Formula One cars isn't limited to the racetrack. Engineers at F1 team Williams adapt much of their expertise to help industry. And this aerofoil device could help supermarkets make big energy savings, says technical director Paul McNamara.